Two of the most critical factors in collecting the M1 Garand are the determination of dates of manufacture and identification of components correct for specific rifles. This is important whether considering the purchase of an M1 that is being presented as original, or attempting to restore a rifle to its correct configuration. The best way to determine the correct components for a specific M1 is through use of data sheets on original rifles. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with serial number tables and a large sampling of data sheets to aid in identification and restoration.

“The M1 Garand: Serial Numbers & Data Sheets” is in response to requests by collectors to produce a pocket reference guide to collecting the M1 Garand. The source of information is my previous books; “The M1 Garand: World War II” and “The M1 Garand: Post World War II,” along with the personal files.

Two of the most critical factors in collecting the M1 rifle are the determination of dates of manufacture and identification of components correct for specific rifles. This is important whether considering the purchase of an M1 that is being presented as “original,” or attempting to restore a rifle to its “as manufactured” configuration. The best way to determine the correct components for a specific M1 is through use of data sheets on original rifles. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with serial numbers related to dates of manufacture and a large sampling of data sheets to aid in identification or restoration.

Manufacture of the M1 rifle was a dynamic process, the various components underwent many changes throughout the production history. To receive maximum benefit from this book, it must be used in conjunction with Chapter 5, Identification of Parts, contained in “The M1 Garand: World War II” and Chapter 7, Identification of Parts, in “The M1 Garand: Post World War II.” Duff.

The quantity of original, as issued, M1s in existence today is quite small when compared to the nearly five and one half million rifles produced. The overwhelming majority were delivered into the hands of troops. In fact, many World War II era M1s were used again in Korea. As individual parts wore out they were replaced. And for that matter, when a specific part was improved, most rifles in service were upgraded to the newer design. These types of changes were often performed at the field service level.

The rebuilding and overhaul procedures which were used by the military made no effort to replace the operating rod, trigger group, stock, or any other component onto the barrel and receiver group from which they were removed. Also, it was a common occurrence for troops to inadvertently swap trigger groups and stocks onto each other’s barrel and receiver groups. After all, one of the advantages of the M1 rifle design was that of interchangeable parts. Several component parts are common to all or most rifles of their respective eras and as a result will not be detailed in the accompanying Data Sheets.

If a rifle you own or observe varies from the accompanying Data Sheets slightly don’t be too quick to label it counterfeit or begin changing parts. None of the manufacturers assembled rifles in exact serial number sequence. This can cause earlier parts to appear on later rifles. The Data Sheets are only a guide, not gospel. The information provided herein, by no means, includes all possible variations.

The accompanying Data Sheets include information on eighty-four M1 rifles. The Data Sheet section is separated into eleven sections. Sections one through ten include Data Sheets on five Gas Trap, thirty-four Springfield Armory – Gas Port rifles manufactured during World War II, eighteen Winchester M1s, five post World War II Springfields, nine International Harvester produced M1s, three Harrington & Richardson M1s, five Sniper rifles, two National Match M1s, two rebuilds, and one Navy Trophy rifle. The last section contains blank Data Sheets, which you may reproduce, to allow you to fill in information pertaining to your rifles.